1. It gets rid of bad breath and bacteria

The main reason you should brush your tongue is to get rid of the nasty bacteria that causes halitosis, which is more commonly known as bad breath. According to the Dental Care Partnership, the majority of bacteria in your mouth lives on your tongue, and if you’re just brushing your teeth while ignoring that tongue bacteria, then those little guys can reek havoc (get it?).

If left alone, the bacteria on your tongue can transfer to your teeth, which pretty much cancels out the brushing you just did. So do yourself — and those around you — a favor by scraping all that junk off your tongue. You might notice that people aren’t offering you as many breath mints throughout the day!

2. It prevents tooth decay

Like we mentioned before, the bacteria on your tongue can easily transfer to your teeth when left alone to fester in your mouth. That bacteria will eat away at your teeth and gums, which can eventually cause tooth decay or gingivitis. No matter how often you brush and floss, ignoring the tongue makes all that hard work come to naught.

It’s an extra step to add to your oral hygiene routine, but it’s a small price to pay, because taking care of your tongue can literally help you save face later down the road.